The Helpful Gardeners

This week, the gardeners are embracing autumn from the perspective of our towering trees and steadfast shrubs that deserve attention this time of year.

We're excited to have Jean Mathieu-Daoust back on the show to help us prepare these arboreal wonders for the winter months ahead. How should we approach watering, fertilizing, harvesting and pruning this time of year? Truth be told, the care you give them now will promote stronger growth next spring.

You can plant trees and shrubs right up until the ground freezes, so Jean will highlight 'autumn interest' options that you can bring in to encourage impressive autumnal colour. Learn why the leaves change colour and more.

Special Guest | Jean-Mathieu Daoust

Contact Jean if you're in and around Calgary, AB for your tree servicing needs

Let it Grow Horticulture | 587-574-4709

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Thank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week!

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As the days grow shorter and a chill fills the air, our focus turns to putting our gardens to bed including our lawns. You may have been facing summer water restrictions and are hoping to breathe some life into tired grass. You may have put the pool and lawn furniture away and noticed your lawn is looking a little flat. The good news is it's the best time work on your lawn. We'll discuss fertilizer and watering. The age-old question of whether to rake leaves from your lawn—we're tackling that. Is it necessary, or can those colorful fallen leaves actually benefit your grass?

Special Guest: Shelley Vance, from Scott's Canada! 

Shelley Vance has worked in the lawn and garden industry for over 30 years. She has worked for a variety of different companies based in Vancouver, Canada. Shelley has spent the majority of her career supporting her customers to deliver high-quality products to their customers. Shelley is passionate about the lawn and garden industry and is the Western IGC Sales Manager for Scott’s Canada. Shelley lives in Coquitlam, BC, Canada with her husband, Jim, and has two adult daughters. 

Transverse section (T.S.) of leaf blade

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CONNECT WITH US

Thank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week!

Leave an anonymous voicemail!

Instagram

Facebook

Email us [email protected]

We're embracing the changing seasons and exploring the wonderful realm of autumn annuals and perennials. Get ready to unlock the secrets of preparing your steadfast perennials for the impending winter chill. We'll share essential tips and tricks to ensure your garden's most cherished inhabitants brave the frost with grace and emerge even more vibrant next spring. 

We'll also delve into the world of autumn annuals—the versatile companions that allow us to extend the growing season and savor the outdoors for a little while longer. From the rich hues of chrysanthemums to the surprising beauty of kale, we'll explore the diverse array of annuals that lend their charm to the fall landscape. 

So, grab your gardening gloves and a warm cup of cider as we embark on this journey of discovery together.  

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In this weeks episode ....

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 07:00 | When is it too late in the season to plant perennials?
• 10:45 | Fall Fertilizers
• 13:30 | Can you put perennials to bed too early?
• 20:00 | How to extend the life of annual flowers
• 36:20 | Types of autumn annuals
• 41:20 | Question of the Week: Does the garden centre ?
• 37:00 | Next week.... A brief vacay!

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RESOURCES

Colin's Annual Planters

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CONNECT WITH US

Thank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week!

Leave an anonymous voicemail!

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Email us [email protected]

Have you ever wondered how to expertly split that overcrowded clump of daylilies or hostas? Curious about the reasons why dividing perennials is essential for their health and vigor? Get ready to unearth the secrets of perennial division and transplanting, and discover how to nurture your plants' growth for years to come.

Ever wondered if the principles of perennial division can be applied to larger plants like trees and shrubs? And what about those cherished houseplants – can they benefit from the same techniques? Yep, we're talking about those too!

So, whether you're dreaming of a garden bursting with vitality, looking to expand your plant collection, or simply seeking to deepen your gardening know-how, this episode is packed with the insights you need. 

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In this weeks episode ....

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 34:00 | Question of the Week: Can you divide houseplants?
• 37:00 | Next week.... A brief vacay!

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RESOURCES

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CONNECT WITH US

Thank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week!

Leave an anonymous voicemail!

Instagram

Facebook

Email us [email protected]

Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or just dipping your fingers into the soil for the first time, we've got a refreshing episode lined up for you. We'll be unraveling the mysteries of proper watering techniques, discussing just how much liquid love our leafy friends really need, and sharing a few chuckle-worthy mishaps that have left gardeners and plants alike a bit, well, waterlogged.

From the gentle mist that nurtures delicate ferns to the hearty drench that fuels our veggie patches, water is the lifeline that connects us to our botanical companions. So, if you've ever wondered why your daisies droop or your succulents seem a bit sad, stick around as we quench your thirst for knowledge and laughter.

So, grab your watering can, put on your gardening gloves, and get ready to soak up a blend of practical insights and entertaining stories that will leave you laughing and inspired.

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In this weeks episode ....

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 04:00 | Overview on Water
• 05:30 | Water factors: Time of day
• 07:30 | Water Factors: Seasons
  • 12:40 | Seasonal Watering: Houseplants
  • 14:00 | Seasonal Watering: Chinooks
• 18:00 | Water Factors: Regional differences
• 20:30 | Idea: Group Houseplants by sunlight needs AND Humidity needs
• 25:25 | What's better? Top water or bottom water?
• 29:00 | Using Mulch to keep plants hydrated longer
• 30:00 | Over & Under watering
• 32:15 | Moisture Meters
• 34:15 | Water Factors: How much should you water?
• 37:15 | Watering Tools
• 48:20 | Question of the Week: A Discussion on smart watering devices
• 55:50 | Next week....Perennial Division & Transplanting

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RESOURCES

Gardena Smart Water

Stats on Canadian Water Use

Water Restrictions in Calgary

In every gardener's journey, we encounter a plethora of tips, tricks, and age-old myths that have been passed down through generations. But have you ever wondered if those 'golden rules' are actually based on solid ground or merely sprouting from hearsay? Today, the gardeners will bring clarity to the muddy waters of gardening myths.

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In this weeks episode ....

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 04:30 | Myth: You need ants for peonies to bloom.
• 07:00 | Myth: Hydrangeas will turn blue if you bury a nail under them.
• 12:15 | Myth: Spruce trees cause acidity so other plants can't grow.
• 18:10 | Myth: Coffee grounds act as fertilizer and weed control.
• 22:00 | Myth: Cutting tomato leaves so fruit will ripen quicker.
• 26:00 | Myth: Using Tomato Leaves to Control Aphids.
• 32:00 | Myth: Grass Clippings will create thatch on lawns. 
• 36:40 | Myth: Use epson salts as a garden fertilizer.
• 40:00 | Fun Fact: How many organisms live in soil?
• 44:30 | Next week.... WATER!

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RESOURCES

Myth: Crushed Tomato Leaves Kill Aphids

Myth: Coffee Grounds good for the Garden

Myth: Hydrangea Myths

Podcast Episode: Trees & Shrubs W Jean-Mathieu Daoust 

Podcast Episode: Lawncare Tips W Shelley Vance of Scott's Canada

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CONNECT WITH US

Thank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week!

Leave an anonymous voicemail!

Instagram

Facebook

Email us [email protected]

Gardening is good for our health and our community. We are so fortunate to have our friend, and neighbour, Erin Neal on the podcast! Learn more about Erin's important work in community support and the impacts gardening has had on her and on her role with the Calgary Drop-in Centre. The partnership between Golden Acre and the Drop-in Centre is a beautiful one and hopefully will inspire a similar project in your community! 

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In this weeks episode ....

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 03:50 | Interview with Erin Neal from the Calgary Drop-in Centre 
  • 04:45 | Gardening through Childhood
  • 09:12 | Gardening with the Calgary Drop-in Centre
  • 20:50 | Erin's gardening tip
• 22:15 | How Golden Acre & the Calgary Drop-in Centre came together
• 26:30 | Question of the Week

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Special Guest | Erin Neal

RESOURCES

Calgary Drop-in Centre

Article: "Community Gardens at the DI"

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CONNECT WITH US

Thank you so much for supporting our podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions every week!

Leave an anonymous voicemail!

Instagram

Facebook

Email us [email protected]

There are SOOOO many ways to design your ideal garden and this includes your grass. We know folks who looove a manicured lawn and take pride in caring for it all season long. I mean, there's an entire sub culture on YouTube dedicated to lawn mowing videos. On the flip side, we also know folks who prefer low maintenance and perhaps not to keep a lawn. Both are right answers and this is a judgement-free zone. Your yard, your preference. We have a whole lawncare episode featuring Shelley Vance of Scott's Canada exploring the traditional lawn that you should absolutely check out next. Find that link down below! But, if you're reading this right now, then chances are you're seeking an alternative. Lawn alternatives have been picking up in popularity over the past few years, and we think you'll be surprised at all the different options there are to fit your lifestlye and budget. 

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In this weeks episode ....

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 04:00 | Sedum Turf
• 08:40 | Clover
• 10:20 | Chickweed
• 11:40  | Seasonal Considerations 
• 13:20 | Artificial Options
• 16:40 | Thoughts on Artificial Turf
• 25:20 | Alternative ways to cut the lawn?!
• 34:00 | Future of Garden Centres and Choice
• 37:40 | Question of the Week
• 40:40 | Next Week....  

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RESOURCES

Lawncare Tips W/ Shelley Vance of Scott's Canada 

Learn more about Sedum Turf 

Eagle Lake Landscape Supply

City of Calgary Goat Program

Sedum 'autumn joy' >>> 

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Have a question or a comment for the Helpful Gardeners?

• Send us an anonymous voice note HERE
• send us an email [email protected]
• or find our question of the week every Tuesday on our Instagram

Thank you so much for supporting the podcast and for making the world a more planty place. Please subscribe, leave a rating or review and listen in for new gardening discussions. - Colin and Brandi

What plants are you willing to eat? Would you eat a dandelion? A sugared pansy? A natural Sumac berry? If you're looking to become the next Bear Grylls, this episode will scratch the surface of the world of edible plants. Learn what to find, what to avoid, and how to prepare some of natures easter eggs!

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In this weeks episode ....

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 03:00 | Using Cedar & Staghorn Sumac for Vitamin C
• 05:30 | Candied Flowers Recipe
• 07:15 | Foraging Mushrooms & Growing your own
• 11:30 | Dandelion Benefits & Uses
• 23:30 | What may be good for you, may not be good for others. 
• 24:40 | Saffron race & deeper appreciation for nature
• 27:00 | Wild foraging cautionary tales
• 34:40 | Question of the Week
• 38:00 | Next Week....  

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RESOURCES

Evolution of Corn | LINK

Candied Flowers | LINK

Dandelion Wine | LINK

Wild Edible Plants in Alberta | LINK

Saffron | LINK

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Do you have a question or a comment for the Helpful Gardeners?

• Send us an anonymous voice note HERE
• send us an email [email protected]
• or find our question of the week every Tuesday on our Instagram

NEXT WEEK 

Are there alternatives to grass in a lawn? You bet your boots there are. The gardeners are exploring lawn alternatives to fit every lifestyle and budget. Tune in next sunday at 8AM MT.

What's the most common topic of conversation among gardeners? THE WEATHER! Yep, our gardens are always exposed to the elements, and every weather event from sun to rain to snow can have an impact...good and bad. Let's do what we gardeners do best. Let's talk about it!

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In this weeks episode ....

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 05:30 | Snow in the Garden
• 10:30 | Timing tasks around the weather
• 14:20 | Thunderstorms in the Garden
• 20:50 | Rain in the Garden
• 24:00 | Heat in the Garden
• 26:25 | Fog & Cloud in the Garden
• 29:00 | Wind in the Garden
• 30:50 | Humidity in the Garden
• 35:35 | Reasons to watch your garden in different weather
• 40:30 | Myth: Watering plants mid summer day
• 42:30 | Question of the Week - 'Growing Japanede Maple'
• 45:40 | Next Week....  

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RESOURCES

Weather in Canada | LINK

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK 

This question was sent to us on Instagram from Carol who asks >>>

"Help! My sister has Japanese Maples in her garden in Vancouver, BC. I'd like to grow them here in Calgary, but I can't find them anywhere! How can I do it?"

Do you have a question or a comment for the Helpful Gardeners?

• Send us an anonymous voice note HERE
• send us an email [email protected]
• or find our question of the week every Tuesday on our Instagram

NEXT WEEK 

The gardeners are getting the munchies as they explore various edible plants like herbs, flowers, and veggies! Catch that episode next Sunday at 8AM MT.